It is pointed out that algorithms for increasing the number of university enrollments are causing a crisis in higher education.

It has been pointed out that the 'admission algorithm' used by American universities to attract students who need it may increase the number of university dropouts and students who are in debt with student loans, leading to racial inequality. I am.

Enrollment algorithms are contributing to the crises of higher education

Enrollment algorithms are making higher education a hellscape
https://www.inputmag.com/tech/enrollment-algorithms-are-making-higher-education-a-hellscape

Alex Engler of the Think Tank Brookings Institution points out. In the United States, 75% of universities use 'admission algorithms'. The university wants as many students as possible to enroll, but what they want is 'students who enroll without asking for much financial support.' For this reason, the admission algorithm is designed to accurately attract 'students that educational institutions need to make money', and it seems that only students will suffer.

According to Engler's research, the content of scholarships received by students is related not only to admission but also to graduation, although the $ 1,000 scholarship increased the rate of graduation by 1%. As the amount of student loans increased by $ 1,000, the graduation rate of students in low-income households decreased by more than 5%.

Previous studies have shown that 62% of students graduate from a four-year college within six years , and dropouts average $ 14,000 in debt. I know that half of them are on their backs and are able to repay. Given the number of students dropping out of debt, higher education institutions may be optimizing scholarships to keep students in school, not for their graduation or subsequent success. That is a national concern, Engler points out.

It has also been pointed out that the admission algorithm is biased like any other algorithm. Specifically, when considering the black population of the state, there were 15 major public universities where the number of black students was 10 points lower than originally expected. In addition, the percentage of graduates was 20 points lower for blacks and 10 points lower for Hispanics than whites.

Based on these results, Mr. Engler said, 'Universities should stop deciding the adequacy of assistance and admission based on algorithms, and human beings should finally judge based on the ability and financial situation of students,' using the algorithm. It says not.